Bloating can be a side-effect when eating and drinking – for both those with and without gluten intolerances in Australia – but is gluten free beer the answer?
With 25% of the Australian adult population going gluten free at various times in their life (according to the Australian Medical Journal) – and over 40% of Millennial and Gen Z consumers – people are enjoying feeling better and avoiding the bloat while still consuming product styles they love, and exploring a whole new range of beer crafted on alternative malts.
Anecdotally there are many people who claim they just "feel better" when they avoid foods and drinks containing gluten, even when they do not have a medically diagnosed condition. And beer is no different in this respect.
The truth is that there have been no formal, independent studies (as far as we know) as to whether gluten free beer helps beer drinkers to feel less bloated or gassy – but if it works for you, we say "why not!".
Does drinking beer from a glass reduce bloating?
Drinking beers poured straight from the keg at a venue serving gluten free beer, or picking up a carton or 4-pack from a bottleshop, and then pouring into a glass, does release some carbonation – but drinkers will still consume CO2.
With the exception of our beers poured on nitrogen (grab No Doubt Stout on Nitrogen in our Mornington Peninsula Brewery Taproom!), all of our beers are served on CO2, which has also been singled out as a culprit for gassiness in the past.
According to the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, "every year at least 50% of Australian adults experience gut health symptoms like bloating, heartburn and constipation and 1 in 7 experience what is considered distressing gut symptoms."
Their list of poor gut health symptoms include:
- Bloated stomach
- Heartburn
- Abdominal pain
- Flatulence and burping
- Growling stomach
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
One happy TWØBAYS gluten free beer drinker said: "I'm GF and the two bays GF beer doesn't make me bloated at all. Their stout and IPA are great."
"Fantastic full bodied pale ale that hits all the right notes but without that nasty beer bloat." another customer said about our Pale Ale.
A GFB drinker said: "Finally a decent gluten free beer! Not bloating on the stomach but quenches that thirst 🍻😊"
TWØBAYS Founder Richard Jeffares, who was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease in 2015, says: "We can't scientifically prove that naturally gluten free beer is less bloat-inducing than any other beer, but I'll join the people queuing up saying that it does! I remember drinking big hoppy beers prior to my diagnosis and feeling pretty average after. Of course, TWØBAYS still contains CO2, alcohol, carbohydrates, calories and fats, but I never feel bloated – even if I responsibly push the boat out!"
"It's an exciting opportunity for people who enjoy their beer but feel very bloated – this is a beer made with different malts, so it's worth a try!"
Luke Darcy said: "I'm finding a lot of people who are not coeliac actually feel better [comparatively] after a gluten free beer!"
Does TWØBAYS gluten free beer help bloating?
Here are more reviews to suggest so...
"I like gluten free beer especially during the hotter months. I find they are lighter bodied than wheaten beers and don’t leave me feeling bloated and no bitter aftertaste. Two Bays beers are flavoursome and pleasing on the palate!"
"This could be my go to daily beer. No more bloating feeling"
"Two bays brewing produces a quality gluten free craft beer that would rival most craft beers containing gluten on the market. Their beers are full of flavour and pack a punch when it comes to ABV You won't be disappointed and your stomach will love you."
"Nice fruity beer, very refreshing, great characteristics & body. when I drink this gluten free beer, I get no upset tummy, I am able to enjoy it without feeling crook the next day. It is perfectly brewed for people who are gluten intolerant. It's great alternative to standard beer."
